Backpacking Southern Cambodia 28/41: Peanichkam Market, the 2nd largest fresh market in Kampong Som, Sihanoukville – Enjoy coffee by the sea

Backpacking Southern Cambodia 28/41: Peanichkam Market, the 2nd largest fresh market in Kampong Som, Sihanoukville – Enjoy coffee by the sea

Speaking of my journey, mr.hotsia traveled to the peaceful seaside town of Cambodia, “Sihanoukville,” formerly known by many as “Kampong Som.” I must say this place has a unique charm that is hard to find elsewhere. This time, I will take you to experience another side of this city through its second largest fresh market calledPeanichkam Marketwhich I explored myself, along with sitting and sipping coffee by the sea, making me feel relaxed as if escaping the hustle and bustle of a big city.

Route from Ban Hat Lek to Sihanoukville

My journey began from Trat Province, Thailand, a border province adjacent to Cambodia, crossing at Ban Hat Lek border checkpoint in Khlong Yai District. This is a main crossing point popular among Thai tourists and foreigners to enter Cambodia, especially to Koh Kong Province and Sihanoukville.Read detailed travel route from Trat to Sihanoukville here

I took an air-conditioned bus from Bangna to Trat, which took about 4 hours, stayed overnight in Trat town, then continued by bus to Sihanoukville for about 6 hours. The journey was not as difficult as I thought, and the ticket price was very reasonable compared to the distance and the scenery along the way, showing the lifestyle on both sides of the border.

Peanichkam Market – The large fresh market hidden in Sihanoukville

Peanichkam Market is the second largest fresh market in Sihanoukville, located in the city center, not far from the beach. I walked there in the morning to experience the real lifestyle of the locals. This market is indoors, offering fresh and dried goods, clothes, and many essential items. The aroma of fresh seafood blends with the scent of spices and herbs sold energetically by the vendors.

What makes this market very interesting to me is the atmosphere with few Thai tourists. I got to see the true life of Sihanoukville people. Schoolchildren walked through the market to school with teachers waiting in front of the school building. Some children helped pick up trash by the roadside. It was a simple yet profound image reflecting the community’s responsibility, which impressed me greatly.Read more about Sihanoukville market

Delicious food in and around the fresh market

After exploring fresh and dried goods throughout the market, I chose to have breakfast in the style of southern Cambodians at a grilled pork rice shop by the roadside near the market. The grilled pork here has a rich flavor, fragrant with the smell of charcoal grilling, served with crispy fried duck egg and hot steamed rice. This dish is popular in southern Vietnam and southern Cambodia as well, and I was not disappointed trying it here.

Another must-try dish is Sihanoukville noodles, known for its clear but very flavorful broth, and grilled stingray sold at street stalls. This is a favorite menu of mr.hotsia because of its freshness and appealing taste.Read about food and restaurants in Sihanoukville here

Sipping coffee by the sea, listening to the waves crashing on the shore

After a satisfying breakfast at the fresh market, I strolled to a beach not far from the city to find a small coffee shop by the sea in Sihanoukville. The atmosphere here is quiet, mixed with the sea breeze and the sound of waves crashing on the shore, making me feel like escaping all the chaos.

Some seaside coffee shops have open seating where you can fully enjoy the sea view. I ordered a strong black coffee with local snacks made by the shop owner. The rich coffee combined with the sea atmosphere made this moment one of my special memories in Sihanoukville.

Accommodation and lifestyle in Sihanoukville

For travelers who want to live like me, mr.hotsia recommends staying in downtown Sihanoukville, which is convenient for traveling to the fresh market and various places, including beaches within a comfortable 10-minute walk or a short tuk-tuk ride. Accommodation prices start at around 15 USD per night. If you want to stay by the sea, there are several options at reasonable prices.

I stayed at Sihanouk Timeshare Hotel in the city center, which was very worthwhile for this trip. Although there were occasional power outages at night, typical of this seaside town, it was part of the experience that made me feel like truly living in Sihanoukville.Read more about accommodation in Sihanoukville

Summary of impressions from mr.hotsia

Peanichkam Market and Sihanoukville overall reflect the simple lifestyle of southern Cambodians blended with the beauty of nature and the sea. I walked through the fresh market, strolled the beach, enjoyed delicious food, and sipped coffee by the sea on a clear day. It was an experience different from those in other famous tourist cities.

For friends who want to experience the peace and sincerity of another seaside town in ASEAN, I, mr.hotsia, recommend planning a visit to Sihanoukville and trying to walk through Peanichkam fresh market once. I believe you will fall in love with this city as much as I did.

And if anyone is interested in my travel stories and journeys in southern Cambodia, you can follow more atSihanoukville travel informationor watch the videoPeanichkam Market, the 2nd largest fresh market in Kampong Som, Sihanoukvillewhich I personally recorded